A book is probably the only way to capture all these memories.
This might sound like a silly question, but was there ever a time in your life you didn't work as a musician?
That's not silly at all! I did, in fact, spend a couple years working a side job as an orderly in a hospital. Two years in the emergency room and the second floor. I had originally take the job as a temporary means to make some money, but over time, my heart wouldn't let me leave. It was a great experience, a humbling experience.
You see the best and worst of humanity in a hospital. It's a good reminder, though, that we all bleed and we all hurt. It doesn't matter if you a lot of money or none at all. We all have the ability to succumb to illness and injury and none of us are immune.
Is this why you're so open and available to your fans? I mean, I don't think I've ever met anyone so friendly. I'm not even talking about musicians, here; I'm saying you're a very friendly and accessible person compared to people in general.
That's just the way I am. That's how I was raised. And I like people. Everybody is somebody to me. I'm just as likely to spend an hour talking to a homeless person after giving them some money as I am with anyone else. I find people fascinating and someone with a fancy car and big house doesn't necessarily have a leg up on the interesting scale over someone on the street. In fact, the rich person is probably at a disadvantage here.
Everybody is somebody to me...that's absolutely brilliant! There's a song in those words, you know. It's obviously more than a philosophy with you, it's a way of life.
[Laughing] I never thought of it that way, but I guess you're right. You have to live your life as if everything you have could be gone in a split second. Like the patients I saw during my time as an orderly, none of us are immune to changing fortunes. And if you treat others badly, don't you think you'd be treated the same way, whatever your station in life? You have to be real and you have to care. In the end, it's all we really own — our hearts, you know?
Article comments
1 - Pico
Being from Kenny's neck of the woods, I enjoyed reading this interview, he seems to be so down to earth.
I also realized a big goof on my Studebaker John review from a couple of week ago, implying that like John, Kenny could play guitar, sing, compose and play harmonica. But I didn't realize he could also play paino, trumpet and bass, too! Very informative piece.
-P
2 - Connie Phillips
Congratulations! This article was an Editor's Pick this week.